ESSEX Police has become the latest force to sign up to Operation Traverse, which aims to protect the county’s fisheries and tackle the issue of illegal fishing.

Operation Traverse was launched in 2014 to combat illegal fishing and fish theft in the East of England.

The commitment to sign up to it creates an important link with surrounding forces and provides a wider roll-out of the operation in the South East.

Essex Police’s promise of firm support for Operation Traverse will see a big step forward in the fight against fish poaching in the county, which has led to low stocks of some fish species at some venues.

Pc Andy Long, Rural and Heritage Crime Officer, said: “Protecting Essex’s fisheries is an important issue and I am delighted Essex Police has signed up to Operation Traverse.

“We take the issue of fish theft and illegal fishing very seriously as it can lead to a loss of business to the hardworking people in our county, and can be linked to serious and organised crime.

“We will work closely with the Angling Trust voluntary bailiffs and Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officers to identify and deal with any offences in a robust and consistent manner.

“I encourage true anglers to continue to provide intelligence on illegal activity as this information will lead the operation – they are often our eyes and ears by the water’s edge and vital to the success of the initiative.

“These offences cost thousands of pounds a year and signing up to Operation Traverse shows Essex Police’s commitment to tackling the issue.”

Environment Agency Enforcement Team Leader Lesley Robertson said: “We are pleased to welcome Essex Police as a partner to Operation Traverse.

“This will build on existing work we carry out with the force across Essex to tackle illegal fishing.

“Anyone that suspects illegal fishing is taking place should report the details to the Environment Agency’s Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or Essex Police on 101 quoting ‘Operation Traverse’”.

Angling Trust’s East of England Regional Enforcement Manager Paul Thomas said: “Tackling fish theft and illegal fishing is vital if we are to protect fisheries and clamp down on rod licence cheats.

“I cannot stress how important it is for anglers to report incidents and information to the police on 101 or the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, quoting Operation Traverse”.

Anyone witnessing illegal fishing incidents in progress can report it directly to the Environment Agency hotline, 0800 80 70 60. Information on illegal fishing and environmental crime can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You need a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence if you are aged 12 or over and fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in England. You can buy a Rod Licence at www.Fishinginfo.co.uk.

You can find out more about Operation Traverse at: http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=2385